CVE-2018-10017 in OpenMPT
Summary
by MITRE
soundlib/Snd_fx.cpp in OpenMPT before 1.27.07.00 and libopenmpt before 0.3.8 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (out-of-bounds read) via an IT or MO3 file with many nested pattern loops.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10017 resides within the soundlib/Snd_fx.cpp component of OpenMPT, a popular music tracker software, and its underlying libopenmpt library. This flaw manifests as an out-of-bounds read condition that occurs when processing specially crafted IT (Impulse Tracker) or MO3 files containing excessive nested pattern loops. The vulnerability represents a classic buffer over-read scenario where the application fails to properly validate loop nesting levels during file parsing operations. The issue affects versions prior to OpenMPT 1.27.07.00 and libopenmpt 0.3.8, indicating it was present in a significant portion of the software's user base.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the pattern loop handling mechanism of the audio file parser. When an IT or MO3 file contains an excessive number of nested pattern loops, the software's internal loop counter or stack management fails to properly bounds-check the recursive loop structures. This allows attackers to craft malicious files that cause the application to read memory locations beyond the allocated buffer boundaries. The out-of-bounds read typically occurs during the playback or rendering process of the audio file, where the software attempts to traverse loop structures that exceed the expected nesting depth. This flaw falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient validation of length of input buffers, and more broadly aligns with CWE-125, describing out-of-bounds read conditions in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service, as it can potentially be exploited to cause application crashes, system instability, or even provide a foothold for more sophisticated attacks. Remote attackers can leverage this vulnerability by distributing malicious IT or MO3 files through various channels such as file sharing platforms, email attachments, or compromised websites. When victims open these files in affected versions of OpenMPT, the application crashes or becomes unresponsive, effectively rendering the software unusable for legitimate users. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where OpenMPT is used for music production or audio editing, as it could disrupt creative workflows or potentially be used to attack audio professionals. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the technique of resource exhaustion and application instability, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.001, focusing on network denial of service.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2018-10017 involves upgrading to OpenMPT version 1.27.07.00 or libopenmpt version 0.3.8, which contain proper bounds checking and loop validation mechanisms. Security patches for this vulnerability typically include implementing maximum nesting depth limits for pattern loops, adding proper validation checks before memory access operations, and enhancing input sanitization routines. Organizations should also consider implementing file validation procedures for audio files received from external sources, particularly in environments where OpenMPT or similar software is used. Additionally, network administrators may want to consider implementing content filtering measures to prevent malicious audio files from reaching end users. The fix demonstrates proper defensive programming practices by establishing clear boundaries for recursive operations and implementing robust input validation that prevents the exploitation of memory access violations. This vulnerability serves as an important reminder of the necessity for thorough input validation in multimedia processing applications where complex file formats with recursive structures are parsed and rendered.